Issaquah, WA, December 7, 2022 – Forty-three of the nation’s elite girl’s high school soccer players from fall-playing states and six of the nation’s elite coaches will take part in the 10th Annual High School All-American Game on December 10, 2022 in Panama City Beach, FL. The players selected are seniors who have finished their high school careers and have received regional and national recognition. Shelby Runje, who is continuing her soccer career at Gonzaga University, has been recognized with a long list of awards and honors:

• 2-time KingCo Offensive MVP (2021, 2022)  
• 2022 United Soccer Coaches Association All-American 
• 2022 United Soccer Coaches Association All-Region selection (West Region) 
• 2022 United Soccer Coaches Association Washington State Player of the Year 
• 2022 WIAA State Athlete of the Week (week #1) 
• 2022 United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Week (week of Nov 7 – 13)
• 2022 Nominee for Gatorade State Player of the Year (award announced in June 2023) 
• 2022 Issaquah High School Tuta Bella Scholar-Athlete Award 
• 2021 Finalist for Gatorade State Player of the Year 
• 2021 4A All-State First Team selection
• 2021 WIAA State Athlete of the Week (week #10)

“I am extremely honored to be selected to play amongst some of the top players in the country, ” states Runje. “I am excited to represent Issaquah High School and this amazing program!”

Shelby ended her high school career with 58 goals and 32 assists, shattering the school record with the most goals scored in a single season (31, previously held at 22). 

Getting named as an All-American is the highest accolade a high-school player can receive, and Shelby is one of 62 players from fall playing states with this elite honor. She is the 7th player from Issaquah High School who was selected for the All-American game, the most of any Washington school. Previously, 25 selections have been named in the state of Washington, including fellow IHS players:

• 2013 Rachel Wheeler
• 2014 Lyrik Fryer
• 2016 Kaylene Pang
• 2017 Claudia Longo
• 2017 Mariah Van Halm
• 2018 Kate Wilkinson

Jason Lichtenberger, Head Coach of IHS Girls Soccer, gives his perspective: “Shelby once shared the advice she’d give to younger athletes, ‘always make it a point to outwork everyone on the field and do not give up on that mindset.’ I’ve had the honor and pleasure of seeing Shelby practice this advice over the past two years, not to mention her incredibly positive attitude. We are so proud of her.”

Joining Runje from Washington is Sophie Zang from Skyline High School and Samiah Shell from Auburn Riverside. A full list of players and coaches can be found on http://www.highschoolsoccerallamerican.com.

About Issaquah High School Girls Soccer

The Issaquah High School Girls Soccer teams competes in the KingCo 4A conference, one of the most competitive conferences in the state of Washington. The Issaquah girls have been one of the most successful programs in the state of Washington over the past 2 decades. In 2022, the Eagles came just short of a 6th state championship, losing to cross-town rival, Skyline High School. During a 14-year stretch from 2004-17, the Eagles made 13 state tournament appearances, 9 trips to the state championship game and won 5 state titles. The program also finished 2nd in the state in 1986, 1988, 2021, and 2022.

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Media Contact

Michelle Thomas, IHS Girls Soccer Media Coordinator

(702) 273-9173 or chelle1014@gmail.com

Jordan Frost, IHS Athletic Director

(425) 837-6015 or frostj@issaquah.wednet.edu